Strawberry plant named ‘NSG 120’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of strawberry plant, referred to by its cultivar name, ‘NSG 120’, is provided which forms in abundance attractive early-ripening large, medium red primarily conical fruit having firm flesh that is longer than broad in configuration. The growth habit is semi-dense, semi-upright. White inflorescence is displayed. Commonly a calyx is displayed which is larger than the diameter of the corolla when open. The new variety is particularly well suited for the commercial industry.

Botanical/commercial classification:

Latin name—Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne.

Varietal denomination: ‘NSG 120’.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Community Plant Variety RightsApplication Number 2018/1111 which was filed in European Union throughCommunity Plant Variety Office on Apr. 23, 2018, of which the content ofis hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new and distinct short-day strawberry plant variety of the presentinvention was the product of a controlled breeding program that wascarried out at Nova Siri (MT) Italy located at 40° 08′ 40″ N-16° 39′ 40″E and 10 meters above sea level, wherein two parents were crossed whichpreviously had been studied in the hope that they would contribute thedesired characteristics. The female parent (i.e., the seed parent) wasthe CHARLENE variety (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 28,220 P3 and European UnionCommunity Plant Variety Rights No. 45319), which is a strawberry varietyplant with medium-season yield and produces fruit with high contents ofsugar. The male parent (i.e., pollen parent) was the MELISSA variety(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 28,081 P3 and European Union Community PlantVariety Rights No. 45318), which is a strawberry variety with highearly-season yield, produces very high yield and very large primary andsecondary fruits.

The parentage can be summarized as follows:‘CHARLENE’ x ‘MELISSA’.

The seeds resulting from the above pollination were sown and smallplants were obtained which were physically different from each other.Selective study and testing resulted in the identification of a singleshort-day strawberry plant of the new variety.

It was found that the new strawberry plant of the present inventionpossesses the following combination of characteristics:

-   -   (a) exhibits a semi-dense, semi-upright growth habit,    -   (b) displays, on an early basis, white inflorescence at a level        generally above the foliage,    -   (c) commonly displays a calyx that is larger than the diameter        of the corolla when open, and    -   (d) forms in abundance attractive early-ripening large, medium        red primarily conical fruit having firm flesh that is longer        than broad in configuration.

The new variety well meets the needs of the horticultural industry. Thenew variety possesses characteristics that commonly are sought bycommercial strawberry growers. For example, the new variety providesuniform attractive firm medium red early-ripening fruit in good yields.Accordingly, the new variety is to be freshly consumed and is consideredpromising for commercial introduction. The new variety requires aninduction period for flowering. This may be achieved by growing in acolder climate away from the equator or at a higher altitude above sealevel.

The new variety can be readily distinguished from its ancestors. Morespecifically, the ‘CHARLENE’ variety (i.e., the seed parent) displaysgenerally conical shape fruit which is darker in external and internalcolor compared to the conical, slightly rhomboid, shaped fruit of thenew variety. Specifically, ‘CHARLENE’ displays fruit with an externalcolor commonly near Red Group 45B to Red Group 46A and an internal colorcommonly near Orange-Red Group 34A to Orange-Red Group 34B, whereas thenew variety displays fruit with an external color commonly near RedGroup 43A to Red Group 43B and an internal color commonly nearOrange-Red Group 33A to Orange-Red Group 33B. Additionally, the‘MELISSA’ variety (i.e., the pollen parent) provides generally rhomboidshape fruit with an external color and internal core color which isdarker compared to the conical, slightly rhomboid, shape fruit of thenew variety. Specially, ‘MELISSA’ provides fruit with an external colorcommonly near Red Group 45B to Red Group 46B and an internal colorcommonly near Orange-Red Group 34A to Orange-Red Group 34B, whereas thenew variety displays fruit with an external color commonly near RedGroup 43A to Red Group 43B and an internal color commonly nearOrange-Red Group 33A to Orange-Red Group 33B. Moreover, the new varietycan be readily distinguished from non-parental related similarvarieties. For example, the ‘NSG 1117’ variety (European Union CommunityPlant Variety Rights Application No. 2016/1694 and not patented in theU.S.) provides fruit that is darker in color compared to the fruit ofthe new variety and the time between first blooming and first fruitripening for the ‘NSG 1117’ variety is longer compared to the newvariety. Specifically, ‘NSG 1117’ provides fruit with an external colorcommonly near Red Group 45A and an internal color commonly near RedGroup 42A, whereas the new variety is provides fruit with an externalcolor commonly near Red Group 43A to Red Group 43B and an internal colorcommonly near Orange-Red Group 33A to Orange Red Group 33B.

The new variety has been found to undergo asexual propagation in Polandand Italy by a number of routes, including by use of stolons and invitro tissue culture. Specifically, the new variety has been asexuallyreproduced in a nursery setting by the use of stolons at ZielonaGora-Ochla, Poland located at 51° 848 N-15° 447 E and at Nova Siri (MT),Italy by in vitro tissue culture. No rotting problems were observed onthe roots during cultivation. The combination of characteristicsexhibited by the new variety has been found to be stable and reliablytransmitted to succeeding generations following such asexualreproduction. Accordingly, the new variety undergoes asexual propagationin a true-to-type manner by such asexual reproduction.

The new variety has been named ‘NSG 120’. The new plant varietyinitially was designated as EE 14 P3 15 120.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show, as nearly true as it is reasonablypossible to make the same in color illustrations of this character,typical specimens of the new variety. The illustrated strawberry plantsof the new variety were asexually reproduced by stolons in a nursery atZielona Gora-Ochla, Poland at 51° 848 N-15° 447 E and were planted underthe cover of plastic tunnels during mid-October 2017 at Nova Siri (MT),Italy located at 40° 08′ 40″ N-16° 39′ 40″ E at 10 meters above sealevel.

FIG. 1—illustrates rows of early fruiting plants on Jan. 18, 2018,wherein the newly formed flowers are commonly disposed above the foliageand first early conical large red fruits are present.

FIG. 2—illustrates two semi-upright fruiting plants on Feb. 8, 2018,wherein abundant early red fruit production is apparent.

FIG. 3—illustrates a row of fruiting plants on Mar. 15, 2018, whereinmedium vigor plants with semi-upright and semi-dense vegetation, newlyformed flowers, uniform red fruits, and long peduncles are apparent.

FIG. 4—illustrates a row of fruiting plants on Apr. 20, 2018, whereinabundant flowers and fruits in all phases of development are present.

FIG. 5—illustrates specimens of three-leaflet leaves—upper surface,wherein the petiole and stipules are further apparent (designate inimage as EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters and inches areincluded.

FIG. 6—illustrates a specimen of a typical three-leaflet leaf—uppersurface (designate in image as EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions incentimeters and inches are included.

FIG. 7—illustrates a specimen of a typical three-leaflet leaf—undersurface (designate in image as EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions incentimeters and inches are included.

FIG. 8—illustrates a fruiting specimen (designate in image asEE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters and inches are included.

FIG. 9—illustrates specimens of corolla—close view (designate in imageas EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters and inches are included.

FIG. 10—illustrates specimens of calyx—close view (designate in image asEE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters and inches are included.

FIG. 11—illustrates specimens of petals of the flowers (designate inimage as EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters and inches areincluded.

FIG. 12—illustrates specimens of mature fruit—whole (designate in imageas EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters and inches are included.

FIG. 13—illustrates specimens of mature fruit—internal sections(designate in image as EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters andinches are included.

FIG. 14—illustrates specimen of runners (stolons).

FIG. 15—illustrates specimens of stipule and petiole (designate in imageas EE14.P3.15.120). Dimensions in centimeters and inches are included.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The chart used in the identification of colors is that of The RoyalHorticultural Society (“R.H.S.” Colour Chart), London, England, EditionV. The terminology which precedes reference to the chart has been addedto indicate the corresponding color in more common terms. The detailedbotanical description is based on plants which were reproduced asexuallyby the use of stolons at Zielona Gora-Ochla, Poland (located at 51° 848N-15° 447 E), transplanted at Nova Siri (MT), Italy (located at 40° 08′40″ N -16° 39′ 40″ E and 10 meters above sea level) in October andgrowing under the cover of plastic tunnels.

With regard to stolons, their description took place in Poland. Thesestolons are derived from frigo plants transplanted in Poland at ZielonaGora Ochla in April. Therefore the age of the plants on which thebotanical description was made is between two and eight months from thetransplants.

-   Plant:    -   -   Type.—Short-day.        -   Configuration.—Semi-upright and semi-dense.        -   Vigor.—Medium to weak.        -   Leaf.—Approximately 16 cm to 19 cm in size.        -   Leaflets.—Number: commonly 3. — size: medium-to large in            size, approximately 10.5 cm in length on average, and            approximately 8 cm in width on average. — terminal leaflet:            commonly moderately longer in length than width, possesses a            generally concave cross-section, possesses a crenate margin,            and an acute base. — blistering: commonly is weak in            quantity. — glossiness on the upper surface: weak. — color:            variegated coloration commonly is absent; upper surface            coloration commonly being near Green Group N141A to Green            Group N141B; and under surface commonly being near Green            Group 138C to Green Group 138D. — texture (upper surface):            wrinkled with small translucent waxy points and a low            presence of trichomes on the whole surface. — texture (lower            surface): generally wrinkled with trichomes present,            especially on the ribs. — venation pattern: the main            transverse ribs are grafted forming an acute angle, at the            insertion level of the main transverse rib there is no            curvature in the initial part.        -   Stolons.—High in quantity, medium pubescence in density,            color is commonly near Yellow-Green Group 145B to            Yellow-Green Group 145C, weak or absent anthocyanin            coloration, and the distance between plants rooted in the            same stolon is approximately 27 cm to 40 cm on average.        -   Petioles.—Approximately 17 cm to 25 cm in length on average,            the average minor axis and the average major axis, measured            at approximately 3 cm from the base of the stipule are            approximately 2.7 mm and 3.5 mm, respectively, and color is            commonly near Yellow-Green Group N144C, and commonly bear            generally horizontally disposed fine pubescence.        -   Stipules.—Approximately 2.5 cm to 3 cm in length on average,            average width of closed stipules is approximately 11 mm,            average width of open stipules is approximately 19.5 mm,            color is Yellow-Green 145 B while some commonly bear weak            anthocyanin coloration of near Red-Purple Group 61C to            Red-Purple Group 61D.        -   Floral fragrance.—Slightly present.-   Inflorescence:    -   -   Flowering time.—Very early, second/third week of December in            Nova Siri (MT), Italy at 10 meters above sea level.        -   Flower disposition.—Generally above the foliage.        -   Flower number.—Medium, commonly 4 to 6; typically one flower            at the beginning of the season.        -   Pedicel hairs.—Pubescence generally disposed somewhat            upwards.        -   Pedicel color.—Commonly near Yellow-Green Group 144C.        -   Pedicel length.—The average length of the main and secondary            pedicles measured from the base of the calyx, with the first            fruit already ripe on the main axis is approximately 18 cm.        -   Pedicel diameter.—The diameter measured at approximately 3            cm from the calyx is approximately 2.6 mm.        -   Flower size.—Large, with primary flowers approximately 2.5            cm to 3.5 cm in diameter on average, and secondary flowers            approximately 2.1 cm to 2.6 cm in diameter on average,            commonly the open calyx is larger than the diameter than the            corolla being approximately 2.6 cm to 4.5 cm in diameter on            average.        -   Petals.—Number: approximately 5 to 7 on average, typically —            arrangement and shape: overlapping, somewhat rounded overall            in configuration with the relationship of the length to the            width being substantially equal, and acute apex. — size:            approximately 10 mm on average in length and width on            average. — color: commonly near White Group NN155A on the            upper surface. — texture (upper surface): spongy texture,            smooth, glabrous surface, with small translucent points;            roughness at the level of insertion on the calyx. — texture            (lower surface): evident general roughness, glabrous            surface.        -   Stamens.—Average number: approximately 25. — average length:            approximately 2 mm to 5 mm. — filament color: Yellow-Green            Group 1D.        -   Anthers.—Number is approximately 21 to 25 on average,            commonly disposed below the stamen, and color is commonly            Yellow Group 12A.        -   Pollen.—In abundance.        -   Stigma.—Shape: very jagged fan shape. — size: an average            opening of approximately 400 μm. — texture: Dry waxed            stigma, not feathery.        -   Style.—Average length: approximately between 1600 μm-1800            μm. — average diameter: approximately 200 μm, which thins            and curves at the level of the insertion on the ovary,            entirely crossed by a stylus channel with an average            diameter of approximately 38 μm. — shape: Gynobasic style.        -   Ovary.—Superior, with oval shape and average major axis and            the average minor axis of approximately 700 μm and 500 μm.        -   Sepals.—Shape: generally lanceolate in configuration;            attitude is commonly upwards, and generally extend beyond            the petals. — number: approximately 12 to 14 on average. —            size: approximately 1.2 cm to 1.6 cm in length on average,            and approximately 5 mm to 7 mm in width on average at the            broadest point. — color: the upper surface is commonly near            Green Group 143A to Green Group 143B and the under surface            is commonly near Green Group 141C to Green Group 142B. —            texture (upper surface): smooth with trichomes mainly at the            margin and translucent waxy points at the basal part. —            texture (lower surface): slightly wrinkled with tricomes            mainly present on the basal part.-   Fruit:    -   -   Bearing.—Non-remontant.        -   Timing.—Early fruiting commonly with approximately 28 to 34            days from first blooming to first fruit ripening.        -   Shape.—Conical, slightly rhomboid, longer than broad,            commonly with a medium difference between terminal and the            other fruits.        -   Size.—Large, with the primary fruit approximately 5.0 cm to            6.5 cm in length on average; approximately 4 cm to 4.5 cm in            width on average at the broadest point; and approximately            23.4 grams on average.        -   Surface.—Slightly uneven texture with strong glossiness.        -   External color.—Substantially uniform commonly near Red            Group 43A to Red Group 43B.        -   Internal color.—Flesh is commonly near Orange-Red Group 33A            to Orange-Red Group 33B, and the core is commonly near            Orange-Red Group 33A to Orange-Red Group 33B.        -   Firmness.—Good firmness.        -   Cavity.—Small to medium fruit cavity, as illustrated in FIG.            13.        -   Achenes.—Located generally below the fruit surface and cover            nearly the entire fruit surface commonly with only a very            narrow band (if any) where achenes are absent, and commonly            going from near Orange Group 28A to Red Group 43B in            coloration, depending of fruit maturity.        -   Calyx.—Commonly slightly raised at the point of attachment,            the calyx commonly attaches to the fruit with medium to hard            adherence, the sepals are disposed generally slightly            upwards, calyx typically extends beyond the overlapping            petals when open, and the fruit diameter of calyx in            relation to diameter of fruit commonly are slightly bigger.        -   Peduncle.—Long, elliptical shape, approximately 30 cm to 36            cm in length on average for primary fruit, average minor            axis and the average major axis measured at approximately 3            cm from the base in cross section are approximately 3.6 mm            and 3.8 mm, respectively, and color is commonly near            Yellow-Green Group N144C.        -   Pedicel.—Commonly with pubescence extending upwards, and            color is commonly near Yellow-Green Group N144C.        -   Storability.—Medium to high.-   Development:    -   -   Fertilization.—Self-fertile.        -   Resistance to disease.—During the time of observations and            to date, no sensitivities to any disease were observed.        -   Winter hardiness/color tolerance.—Unknown.        -   Drought/heat tolerance.—Good.

Plants of the ‘NSG 120’ variety have not been observed under allpossible environmental conditions to date. Accordingly, it is possiblethat the phenotypic expression may vary somewhat with changes in lightintensity and duration, cultural practices, and other environmentalconditions.

SUPPLEMENTAL COMPARATIVE DATA

Hereafter, additional comparative fruit data is provided for the newvariety, the ‘NSG 1117’ variety, the ‘MELISSA’ variety (i.e., the maleparent) and the ‘CHARLENE’ variety (i.e., the female variety). Theplants were asexually reproduced by the use of stolons in 2017 atZielona Gora-Ochla, Poland located at 51° 848 N-15° 447 E, and plantedin field on Oct. 15, 2017. All varieties were grown under the cover ofplastic tunnels at Nova Siri (MT), Italy located at 40° 08′ 40″ N-16°39′ 40″ E (10 meters above sea level). The first pick of the fruitoccurred on January 8 and the last pick of the fruit occurred on May 30.The fruit were evaluated and compared on the dates indicated. Averagedata is as follow:

TABLE 1 Accumulated Production of First Quality Fruit (g/plant) varietyFebruary 30th March 30th April 30th May 20th ‘NSG 120’ 58 234 435 643‘NSG 1117’ 24 195 405 600 Datos Nicola + 15% + 30%

TABLE 2 Overall Comparison of Average Fruit Weight in Nova Siri-Italy onyear 2018 plant g/fruit ‘NSG 120’ 23.4 ‘MELISSA’ 26.0 ‘CHARLENE’ 22.0‘NSG 1117’ 26.2

TABLE 3 Average Fruit Weight on Specified Dates on 2018 March 30th April30th May 20th variety (grams) (grams) (grams) ‘NSG 120’ 24 23,5 23‘MELISSA’ 27 26 22 ‘CHARLENE’ 24 22 19 ‘NSG 1117’ 28 24 25

TABLE 4 Fruit Analysis on May 30,2018 ‘NSG ‘NSG 120’ 1117’ ‘CHARLENE’‘MELISSA’ Firmness (average)* 0.70 0.77 0.74 0.75 Dry Matter (%)** 9.148.25 8.50 8.25 pH (to 202) 3.40 3.60 3.80 3.93 Acidity as Anhydride 0.710.69 0.70 0.60 Citric (%) Soluble Solids (% Brix) 8.50 7.60 8.80 9.00Maturity Index*** 9.93 11.01 12.57 15.00 *Resistance to penetrationmeasured in kilograms using a Turoni (Italy) pentrometer (20 Kg × 0.01).**Weight of residue from the titration of the fruit after drying at 103°C. until is achieved a constant weight. ***Relation between solublesolids and acidity anhydride.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct strawberry plant characterized by thefollowing combination of characteristics: (a) exhibits a semi-dense,semi-upright growth habit, (b) displays, on an early basis, whiteinflorescence at a level generally above the foliage, (c) commonlydisplays a calyx that is larger than the diameter of the corolla whenopen, and, (d) forms in abundance attractive early-ripening large,medium red primarily conical fruit having firm flesh that is longer thanbroad in configuration; substantially as herein shown and described.